Vol. 1 - Ch. 58 - Family Suggestions

Sensing the panic among the just-awakened wandering clan spirits, they instinctively resisted disappearing. Despite their weakened state, none of them wanted to vanish so abruptly."Divine Tree!" "Quickly, return to the Ancestor Hall!" A faint cry echoed through the clan---Chen Changming had realized something was amiss. In response, all the wandering spirits quickly drifted toward the Ancestor Hall. Once they reached the hall, the rapid dissipation of their Yin energy began to slow. It wasn't until all the clan spirits had taken refuge in the hall's shade that the dissipation finally halted. Inside the Ancestral Hall, Ji Yang could sense the diminishing Yin energy of each spirit. It was clear that these deceased clan spirits couldn't withstand daylight. However, the shade provided by the tree wasn't enough to shield all the spirits from the sun. Ji Yang pondered what would happen to them when the sun reached its zenith. As more and more clan spirits crowded into the hall, pressing against the tree trunk, Ji Yang suddenly noticed something peculiar. One of the spirits was pushed against the trunk and vanished without a trace. The other spirits looked on in surprise, but they didn't have time to dwell on it. They all rushed toward the tree trunk. Could the Divine Tree harm them? Ji Yang also looked puzzled as he observed the spirits gathering around the trunk. Upon closer examination, he realized that his trunk had absorbed a considerable amount of Yin energy. Inside, a space had formed, reminiscent of the Netherworld he had once visited.  The interior was hazy, yet surprisingly spacious---enough to accommodate all the deceased clan spirits. seaʀᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It seemed this was a new ability he had gained after his transformation. It saved him the trouble of finding another place for these wandering spirits. As the sun rose higher, the living members of the family gradually awoke, resuming their daily routines.  Yet, many of them wore hesitant expressions. The memory of last night's encounters still lingered, leaving them uncertain whether it had been a dream or reality. "Qinghe, it seems like my grandfather visited me last night!"  Chen Qingmeng said, carrying a hoe on his shoulder as he spoke to his younger brother, Chen Qinghe. "Dreams are just illusions," Chen Qinghe replied with a shrug.  "When your grandfather comes back tomorrow, just hit him a few times." Chen Qingmeng, deep in thought, nodded. "Alright!" Inside his room, Chen Xingzhen furrowed his brow. Last night's dream had seemed absurd, yet the faces of his father and elder brother were still vividly imprinted in his mind.  He remembered that his father had been about to say something important when the dream abruptly ended. Now, he struggled to decide whether the encounter had been real or just a result of his longing, triggered by the white fruit he had seen on the Divine Tree a few days ago.  In the end, Chen Xingzhen decided not to dwell on it. Whether it had been real or not, he could simply ask the Divine Tree. Soon, he arrived at the Ancestral Hall. When he opened the door and saw the Divine Tree, his expression became more complex.  Yesterday, the tree had been full of white fruits, but now they were all gone.  However, the Divine Tree retained its familiar appearance, leaving Chen Xingzhen both astonished and delighted. Could it be that last night's encounter wasn't just a dream? "Brother, did you dream about something last night?" Chen Xingzhen asked one of the clan members. "Yes, I dreamed about our father. He told me to train hard and reach the Blood Coagulation Realm soon!" The conversations among the clan members confirmed Chen Xingzhen's suspicion that last night's encounter hadn't been an illusion. If it was indeed real, he knew he would have to prepare for another encounter tonight. Chen Xingzhen was concerned that he might not be able to strengthen the clan on his own.  But with the help of his father and several elder brothers, he believed the clan's future would be even more promising. However, this matter was of utmost importance and had to be kept secret, hidden from outsiders. In the tree trunk, Chen Changming emphasized this to the spirits gathered within. Even though they were only souls, the knowledge of their existence would put the clan in great danger.  The current Divine Tree was far more powerful than anything the Chen family could protect on their own. Inside the Ancestral Hall, Ji Yang sensed the situation in the treetops and nodded in agreement. He was aware that the souls he had transformed were still under his control.  If necessary, he could even exert forceful influence over them. However, this was not part of Ji Yang's plan. For now, he simply wanted to be a tree, leaving the family affairs to the two clan leaders. As night fell, Chen Xingzhen and the other clan members retired to their chambers. The events of the previous night, coupled with the day's discussions, had alerted them to something unusual. Tonight, they were eager to confirm their suspicions. In his dream, Chen Xingzhen once again saw Chen Changming, his expression slightly excited.  However, this time, Chen Changming's emotions were more stable as he spoke: "Xingzhen, time is short. I cannot stay long. The resurrection of the clan spirits by the Divine Tree is meant to strengthen the family. Although the clan appears stable now, there are still many shortcomings." Hearing these words, Chen Xingzhen felt a pang of guilt. Despite being the clan chief for so many years, he had failed to elevate the family's status, and they had even come close to extinction.  Sensing his son's feelings, Chen Changming comforted him: "This is not your fault. Blame it on me---I died too young and couldn't teach you enough." He continued, "Listen carefully..." For what felt like half a joss stick of time, Chen Xingzhen attentively listened to his father's advice. As Chen Changming's figure began to fade, Chen Xingzhen nodded resolutely, his voice firm: "I remember everything!" Chen Changming smiled and nodded in return.  "These proposals regarding the family were discussed by me, your elder brother, and some other clan members. The family situation is always changing, so some of the advice might not be applicable. Listen, but don't follow blindly." Chen Xingzhen responded confidently, "I understand. I am the clan leader now." "Son, I know you'll do well!"  With those words, Chen Changming's figure disappeared once again. This time, Chen Xingzhen felt no hesitation, his eyes glittering with determination. In the Ancestral Hall, Ji Yang reflected on the decisions Chen Changming and the others had made during the day and nodded approvingly.  The former clan chief's insight into the family's development was far superior to Chen Xingzhen's. In the current state of the Chen clan, making well-prepared decisions was essential for rapid progress.  The guidelines set forth were indeed suitable for the clan's current situation, and Chen Xingzhen stood to benefit greatly from them. Under the night sky, Ji Yang's tree branches emitted a faint glow. Without the consumption of the white fruits, he now gained two and four-tenths units of Vitality each night. If time allowed, he might soon become even stronger. As the night deepened, the departed souls returned to the Ancestral Hall. Drawn to the glowing Divine Tree, they sat cross-legged on the ground, closing their eyes to absorb the faint Yin energy emanating from the tree trunk. With each wisp of Yin energy they absorbed, their ethereal forms grew more solid. Chen Changming, who had just returned, observed the scene with growing excitement. He had long noticed that, despite their resurrection, the spirits consumed a certain amount of Yin energy each day. But now, it seemed this problem was being addressed. The possibility of them growing stronger in their current state filled him with hope. If these spirits could indeed grow more powerful, the Chen family might soon be able to personally engage in battle, further solidifying their strength.  Chen Changming's heart swelled with excitement. With the Divine Tree in the family, prosperity seemed assured---perhaps even surpassing the clan's former glory.